Ronnie O’Sullivan and Barry Hawkins will contest the Dafabet Masters Final at Alexandra Palace after they defeated Stuart Bingham and Judd Trump respectively in their semi-final clashes.
The Rocket, playing in his first major tournament since the world championship last April, reeled off five straight frames as he downed the challenge of world champion Bingham 6-3 on Saturday evening.
Hawkins, who was beaten by O’Sullivan in the 2013 World Championship final, knocked in an impressive three century breaks as he defeated Trump 6-4 in the first semi-final.
Despite setting up a chance to win his sixth Masters title, O’Sullivan was relatively unimpressed with his own form in defeating Bingham.
“I was over-hitting balls by two or three feet, I could not hit certain shots because I could not get the cue through – it was awful out there,” said the five-time world champion.
“When you’re playing alright and getting among the balls there’s no better tournament for me because it is right on my doorstep with brilliant support.”
Hawkins had never won a match at the Dafabet Masters before this week but he has excelled in London and is relishing the chance to take on O’Sullivan in the decider.
“Judd was obviously favourite to beat me but I knew if I took my practice game out there I had a chance. I can’t believe I’m in the final now and have a chance of winning it,” said the world number eight.
O’Sullivan is 6.50 to win the Dafabet Masters Final 10-5 while Hawkins can be backed at 4.20 to claim the title.
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